Lala clung to her mother's leg, her eyes wide with apprehension and tears threatening to spill over. Her little sister, Fumbu, was playing with blocks on the carpet, blissfully unaware of the emotional moment unfolding. "I don't want to go, Mommy," she murmured, her voice quivering with uncertainty.

Mom knelt down, her eyes full of warmth and understanding. "You'll have so much fun, sweetheart. And remember, I'll always come back before this heart fades away," she said gently, drawing a heart on both her wrist and Lala's. Lala watched intently, her fingers tracing the shape as if to memorize it.

Lala's heart raced as they approached the entrance, her hand still gripping her mother's. The sight of other children, some as anxious as she was, made her feel a little better. Mom gave her a reassuring hug. "You can do this, my brave girl," she whispered.

Lala hesitated at first but was soon captivated by the activities around her. She painted, played, and even made a new friend named Sammy, who shared his crayons with her. The day seemed to fly by, each moment a little less daunting than the last.

Lala ran into her mother's arms, her worries melting away. Mom showed her the faint heart still visible on her wrist. "See? I told you I'd be back," she smiled. Lala nodded, her own heart filled with relief and happiness.

Mom helped Lala wash the heart away, explaining "We can wash the drawings, but not the love I have for you." They hugged tightly, the day's fears forgotten. After a bedtime story, Lala fell asleep, her dreams filled with anticipation for another day at school.